South Africa (9/20)

South Africa has made significant strides in empowering women, particularly in politics. The country elected its first female deputy president, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and has had numerous women in key positions of leadership since the end of apartheid. South African women are increasingly active in business, activism, and governance, and have been instrumental in addressing issues like HIV/AIDS, gender violence, and economic inequality.